Deepak Aras commenced his directorial journey with Manasology in 2012. A decade later, he returns with his second venture, Sugar Factory, after a significant hiatus. Reflecting on this break, he admits, "After Manasology, there was a sense of remorse. Despite directing and producing it, the film fell short of expectations. I believed I had the maturity to create a film but lacked the maturity to navigate its release. I lacked insight into business strategies and dealing with the Gandhinagar hub. My film was released when the industry was transitioning from negative to digital, and I felt inadequate in decision-making, relying heavily on various suggestions. It took time to acknowledge and accept failure. I was hurt, which led me to refocus on my business. Yet, my passion for cinema never waned."
As he gears up for the theatrical release of Sugar Factory on November 24, Deepak shares the intriguing genesis of the story. He recounts how the idea struck him while distributing his sister, actor Amulya's wedding invitation cards. "After a weary day, a chance encounter at a pub captivated me for over two hours. The incident lingered in my mind. Later, after Amulya's wedding, I revisited the story with a clear objective, determined to entertain," he explains.
Sugar Factory delves into today's generation's relationship with pub culture, exploring their perception of love and the tendency to take it for granted. "This time, I aim to impart philosophical insights in an entertaining format. The film promises a realistic portrayal while emphasizing that no machine or mechanism can alter true emotions. Despite carrying a strong message, it remains a quintessential entertainer."
When it came to casting, Deepak was drawn to Krishna, the director of Love Mocktail, specifically impressed by the song 'Love You Chinna' from the film. "Subsequently, I brought on board Krishna, followed by producer Girish, Adviti Shetty, Sonal Monterio, and Ruhani Shetty. The pub itself becomes a character integral to the film's narrative," says Deepak, who sought to infuse quality through cinematographer Santhosh Rai Pathaje's expertise, aiming to bring a distinct texture akin to Bollywood. "Being a fervent music enthusiast, I collaborated with Kabir Rafi, who composed six captivating songs, igniting an infectious spark within the album," he says.
Through his journey, Deepak has learned from the highs and lows, acknowledging the importance of avoiding repeated mistakes. "However, I staunchly believed that the flame of passion for cinema must never be extinguished. Beginning with Sugar Factory, I aim to delve into more stories and continue my cinematic journey."
